Multi-functional furniture is an excellent way to organize clutter and optimize small spaces. This easy-to-make storage ottoman can discreetly hide your items while serving as a foot rest or coffee table. You can customize the size of the ottoman and the print of the fabric to your liking.

Using the 16 x 24" piece of plywood as a stencil, mark and cut the thick poly foam to size with scissors or a serrated utility knife. Glue this foam piece to the plywood with all-purpose craft glue. Cut a piece of fabric and a piece of batting to fit around the cushion with at least 4" of extra material on all sides.

Iron your upholstery fabric thoroughly before laying it face down on a clean work surface. Lay the cut piece of batting on top before placing the cushion, foam facing down, in the center of the fabric. Working from one side at a time, pull the fabric from the center and staple it in place 2" from the edge of the plywood. Use the pattern of the fabric or the length of the material to keep your tension consistent while stapling the remainder of the first side.

Flip the cushion around and work opposite the row of staples you just installed. Pull the fabric taught from the center and secure it in place with staples. Work from the center to the ends keeping your tension consistent by measuring by the length of your extra fabric or the motif of the print.

Fold any extra fabric neatly into boxed corners (like making a bed) before pulling the fabric of each end taught and stapling in place.

TIP: If an area of the upholstered cushion is loose or if there’s undesirable puckering from pulling the fabric too tightly, simply remove the staples with a flathead screwdriver and re-staple the section.

Align each 14 3/8" piece of 1 x 10 between the two 24" pieces of 1 x 10 with the edges flush to create a rectangular frame. With your BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX* Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver and a 5/64" bit, drill pilot holes 1" from the top and bottom of each joint before securing with 1 1/2" wood screws.

TIP: Drill pilot holes using a bit that has a slighter smaller diameter than the screw’s shank. Pilot holes remove some material to help prevent the screws from splitting the wood.

After drilling pilot holes, secure the 16 x 24" glued pine board to the bottom of the ottoman frame with six 1 1/2" wood screws (one in each corner and two centered on each long edge). Measure and mark guidelines in each corner with a straightedge, and then square-up each leg's plate with the corner. Secure the leg with four 1/2" wood screws.

Flip the ottoman right side up. Place the remaining piece of 16 x 24" glued pine board with its edges flush with the box frame. Determine which side will be the back of the storage ottoman and measure 5" in from either end of the frame and mark with a pencil. Align each hinge with the seam so the inside end is on the 5" mark.

Secure it with the included hardware.

With your BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium Ion MOUSE® Sander, sand your finished storage ottoman a with 120-grit sandpaper before applying paint or stain. You can leave your wood untreated, but be sure to fill in your screw holes with color-matched wood filler for a seamless finish. Brush off your ottoman with a damp cloth before moving on to the next step.

Line up the edges of your upholstered cushion and the lid of the ottoman. Clamp in place or have a partner hold the pieces together while you drill pilot holes and drive four 1 1/2" screws into each corner from the underside of the lid into the cushion's plywood base.

Fill your finished storage ottoman with seasonal decor, magazines and throws. Quickly stow away any other household items before kicking up your legs and using the ottoman as a foot rest.

Important safety information

To reduce the risk of personal injury and property damage, read and follow all related product manufacturers instruction manuals and information before performing any of the applications shown. Some construction-related applications shown may not be allowed in your local area. Consult your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before starting work for information on permits, applicable codes, and other regulations. Black & Decker disclaims any responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

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